You might brush and floss your teeth twice daily, but did you know that certain decisions you make, when it comes to food and drink, can lead to healthier teeth? Read on to learn about teeth-health dietary choices, in a guide provided by Dr. Roher & the Medical Arts Dentistry team of Savannah, GA.
How Can Calcium Products Improve The Health Of My Teeth?
Calcium can strengthen your teeth’s protective enamel and keep your jaw bones strong and healthy. A common source can be dairy products, such as milk and cheese. Research has shown that aged cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Swiss, and cheddar can boost saliva production, which can help wash food particles off of the surface of teeth. Yogurt and other cultured dairy products contain probiotics, which are healthy bacteria that offset the overgrowth of any harmful bacteria that may be in your mouth or digestive tract.
How Does Vitamin D Impact Calcium Intake?
When ingesting more calcium-rich foods, you will want to be sure that your body is absorbing these nutrients properly. One such way is through Vitamin D. Eggs, sardines, salmon, and mackerel are all rich in the Vitamin D you need for proper calcium absorption. Another source of Vitamin D can be found in spending time outdoors in the sunshine.
What Are Calcium-Rich Options For The Lactose Intolerant?
If you are lactose-intolerant, there are still a number of calcium-rich foods you can try. Options include yogurt, kefir, tofu, lactose-free milk, and milk alternatives with added calcium. Salmon with bones and canned sardines are not only calcium-rich but contain Vitamin D as well.
How Are Fresh Fruits And Veggies Better For Teeth Than Dried Fruit and Fruit Leather?
Unfortunately, the texture of fruit snacks, dried fruit, and fruit leather is sticky and sugary and clings to teeth. Fruit fruits and vegetables, however, have a high-enough water content to dilute the natural sugars as they are being ingested. It is also believed that chewing on crunchy fresh fruits and vegetables can scrape plaque off of teeth and boost helpful saliva production.
How Can Nuts Be A Teeth-Healthy Snack?
If you are not allergic, you can benefit from the calcium and Vitamin D found in nuts such as almonds and peanuts.
How Can Green And Black Tea Contribute To Dental Health?
You might not know this, but both green and black tea contains polyphenol. Polyphenol is a substance that can kill plaque bacteria, prevent its growth, and thus interrupt the bacteria’s production of the acid that attacks your teeth.
What Foods Should I Cut Down On In A Teeth-Healthy Diet?
To guard against cavities, cut down on sticky candies and other sugary sweets that have a high concentration of refined sugar, such as lollipops, cough drops, and caramels. Foods high in starch can get trapped in between teeth, such as potato chips, and soft bread products. Carbonated soft drinks can wear down on the protective enamel of teeth, so consider using a straw. Alcohol can dry out your mouth, which can lead to increased plaque production and a greater risk of tooth decay.